The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1887-06-17
AFTER TWENTY YEARS.
A Story of a Few april Fools. "


with one desparing howl, and April
had entered upon the scene, bathed
in tears, without a smile of greeting
for the dear old earth she had lefl
year ago
The streets of the village were near
" deserted. and Rodney Marston sat
alone in the Office of Marston a. Mars
ton. Presently the Office boy came in
with a note. 1t was directed to Il.
Marston, Esq
Does that mean me, or Uncle Rog-
erp" said the young man to himself.
Il will open it anyway, it is probably
on business.
The note was not very businesslke in
its appearances neither was the thick,
creamy note-paper, on which these
words were written:
"Miss Barton wishes to see Mr..
Marston Immediately, on business of
Importance.
Rodney looked at the note thought
fully. The senior member of the firm
had gone to the city that morning, and
would return by the late train. 1t was
necessary that somebody should at
tend to this affair, and Rodney, with
all the ardor of young barrister,
resolved to answer the summons. The
firm of Marston & Marston was
youthful one. 1t was only few weeks
before that the well-known sign, "Rog-
or Marston, Attorney-at-Law," had
been replaced by smart new one,
indicating the recent partnership of
uncle and nephew.
"Ned, said he, "where does Miss
Barton live?"
"A little out of the village in two
story white house, on the road that
goes by the Baptist church." replied
the boy.
"Oh yes, | know" said young Mars
ton hastily. "Wel, I'm obliged to go
up there, and if anybody comes they'll
not like to on such night as this tell
them to wait"
"All right, sir" said the boy.
cts rough night" muttered the
young man. rs, after DOMINIC rubber
boots and overcoat, and armng himself
with huge umbrella, he stepped out
into the wind and rain; "but profession
al men must brave all kinds of wealth
err The consciousness that he be-
longed to that ill-used fraternity gave
him an exalted sense of misery unat-
tainable by common mortals.
Half an hour after, a dripping, for
Iorn-lookiag figure presents itself at
the two-story house and rang the bell
vigorously. No answer, another peal
foll owed. Presently the door was
opened cautiously few inches, and
Jne eye, belonging TO half human
face. peeped timidg out.
as Miss Barton IMP" inquired Rod
1ey.
"Ye-yes, sir, replied a quaking voice
"but she can't see anybody tonight"
IL think she will see me. however,"
said Marston, gaining confidence AS he
scented II possible mystery. "Please
inform her that Mr.. Marston, the attor-
ner. awaits her pleasr 3.
what does this mean. Martha"
said fresh, pleasant voice from with
in. "Let the gentleman in. whoever
he is "
Martha obeyed, and covered back
in the shadow of the hall as II she ex-
pected nothing short OF instant assassi-
nation. Marston gave little heed to
her, however, for standing in the full
light of the hall lamp was dainty,
girlsh figure, with the sweetest,
merriest face he had ever seen.
"You must excuse our girl; she's
perfect coward. Pray come in sir, !"
said the young lady.
Thank you; as soon as | have made
myself presentable." he replied.
removing his dripping outer gar
ments. Then he was ushered into q
cosy sitting-room. where bright open
Ere seemed TO offer q laughing chal-
Ienge to the April storm.
my name is Marston," he began.
bowling. Pardon me. but do not adj
dress Miss Barton" half question
ingly.
Il am Miss Barton" replied the
girl with an assumption Of dignity.
Il ID L. L-.a.l.. l.....oI Aha idan